Modulator apparatus having a mechanism for charging electronic devices and/or digital file decoding capabilities

ABSTRACT

A modulator apparatus comprising: an elongate housing having a distal portion and a proximal portion that flares outwardly from the distal portion; a cigarette lighter power adapter formed into the distal portion of the elongate housing; a user control panel located on the proximal portion of the elongate housing; an audio input jack in the elongate housing; a battery charging mechanism in the elongate housing for charging a battery of an external electronic device; a circuit located within the elongate housing and operably coupled to the cigarette lighter power adapter, the battery charging mechanism, the audio input jack, and the user control panel; and the circuit comprising means for transmitting an audio signal received by the audio input jack to a radio tuner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 11/229,981, filed Sep. 19, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No.7,400,859 which in turn: (1) claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication 60/710,732 filed Aug. 24, 2005 and U.S. ProvisionalApplication 60/714,048, filed Sep. 2, 2005; and (2) is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Design Application 29/219,410, filed Dec.16, 2004, now U.S. Design Pat. No. D524,285, and U.S. Design application29/233,604, filed Jul. 7, 2005, now U.S. Design Pat. No. D523,413, andU.S. Design Application 29/233,682, filed Jul. 7, 2005, now U.S. DesignPat. No. D521,487. The entireties of the aforementioned patentapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of modulators for use inautomobiles, and specifically to cigarette-lighter powered modulatorshaving a port for charging portable electronic devices and/or auniversal connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many audio and video products are portable. DVD-players, CD-players,cassette players, laptops, stereos, televisions and MP3 players are justa few examples of these products. Some portable audio and video productscontain speakers or headphone jacks. However, when traveling in a car orat home, the user may prefer to have better sound quality or have thesound outputted from an element different from the portable unit itselfsuch as a home or automobile stereo.

Modulators are used to wirelessly connect a portable audio and/or videoplayer to a home or automobile stereo. The portable audio and/or videoplayer is first coupled to the modulator with an audio/video jack orother connection. The modulator is powered by plugging it into astandard wall socket or other source of electrical energy. Duringoperation, the portable audio and/or video player decodes the data filesstored on its internal memory and transmits the decoded data to themodulator via the connection in a signal format. The modulator thenconverts the signal received from the portable audio and/or video playerinto a radio frequency and transmits the signal for receipt by the tunerof the desired stereo system. While functional, this existing system andmode of operation suffers from a number of deficiencies.

First, existing modulators are not specifically suited for use inautomobiles, requiring a separate power adapter that is compatible witha cigarette lighter power source. As such, the user must have threeseparate components to achieve their goal, the modulator, theaudio/video player, and the specialized socket power adapter, not toomention all of the necessary connection cables/wires.

Existing modulators can not function without the audio/video playerbecause they do not have the capability to actually read, process,and/or decompress the data format in which audio and/or video content isstored. Thus, for example, a separate MP3 player, DVD player, and/or CDplayer is required in addition to the modulator hi such systems, themodulator merely acts an intermediary between the MP3 player, DVDplayer, and/or CD player and the sound producing device, such as the carstereo system. The modulator can not be simply coupled to an externalmemory device, such as a CD, disk, USB memory device, etc, that containsthe desired audio and/or video data files. This is inconvenient forusers that typically store their desired content on portable memorydevices.

The inability of existing modulators to actually process data filesstored on memory devices presents an additional problem when the userdesires to output audio/video content within an automobile. Mostautomobiles have only one source of electrical power, a single cigarettelighter socket. However, because both the modulator and audio/videoplayer require a power source, one of the devices must be powered by abattery. This is undesirable because batteries run out and can beexpensive to replace or timely to charge.

Finally, existing FM modulators currently permit only one type of outputport or jack (RCA jacks, firewire or miniplugs) to be used to connectthe portable device to the modulators Many also require additionalconnections such as cassettes or docking stations. This means modulatorsare not available for devices that do not use these types of electricalconnections. Furthermore, different devices having different outputports or jacks from one another require different modulators because theoutput mechanisms are not the same, i.e. if an MP3 player has a firewireoutput and a CD-player has a miniplug output, two different modulatorsare needed. Thus, there is a need for an apparatus that does not sufferfrom the aforementioned drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a combinedmodulator and digital audio file player, which in one embodiment can bea combined MP3 player and modulator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a combinedmodulator and digital audio file player that is compatible for use inautomobiles.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a combinedmodulator and digital audio file player that can be powered by acigarette lighter socket.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a combinedmodulator and digital audio file player that contains all of itscircuitry in a single in housing.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a combinedmodulator and digital audio file player that is compatible for use inautomobiles and provides the ability to adjust the angle at which theuser control panel is oriented.

A yet further object of the invention is to provide a combined modulatorand digital audio file player that can be used in conjunction with avariety of external processing devices.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a combinedmodulator and digital audio file player that provides the capacity toreceive and process data from an external memory device containing datafiles in a digital and/or compressed format.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a combinedmodulator and digital audio file player that can also be used inconjunction with a USB memory device.

These objects and other are met by the present invention, which in oneaspect, is a combined digital audio file player and modulator apparatuscomprising: an elongate housing having a distal end and a proximal end;a socket power adapter located at a distal end of the elongate housing;an interface port in the housing for receiving an external memorydevice; a user control panel located on the housing at or near theproximal end; a circuit located within the elongate housing and operablycoupled to the socket power adapter, the interface port, and the usercontrol panel; and the circuit comprising means for retrieving an audiodata file stored in a digital format on an external memory device thatis in operable cooperation with the interface port, means for decodingthe retrieved audio data files, and means for transmitting the decodedaudio data files to a radio tuner.

In one embodiment of the combined apparatus, the decoding means can beadapted to convert digital signals corresponding to the decoded audiodata files to corresponding analog signals, and the transmitting meanscan be adapted to convert the analog signals to correspondingradio-frequency signals. In an alternative embodiment, the transmittingmeans may transmit the digital signals to a digital tuner.

In one embodiment, the retrieving means can be a microprocessor, thedecoding means can be a decoder, and/or the transmitting means can be aradio-frequency transmitter. If desired, the circuit can furthercomprise a transceiver, a bus, a universal host controller, a reducedinstruction set computer, and a read only memory. It is preferred thatthe interface port be a USB port and the external memory device be a USBmemory device having one or more audio data files stored in an MP3format. In this embodiment, the combined apparatus can further comprisethe USB memory device in operable cooperation with the USB port. Inother embodiments, the external memory device can rise a flash disk ordrive, flash card, secure data flash card, pen drive, CD, magnetic disk,mini-disk, magneto-optical disk, SRAM, E.sup.2PROM, DVD, multimediamemory card, secure digital card, memory stick, CompactFlash card,SecureDigital card or SmartMedia card.

It is further preferable that an audio input jack be included in thehousing and that the audio input jack be operably coupled to the circuitbetween the decoding means and the transmitting means. The circuit canbe programmed to (i) retrieve one of the audio files from the externalmemory device upon receiving a user command from the user control panel;(ii) convert the retrieved audio file to a corresponding digital signal;(iii) transmit the digital signal to the decoding means; (iv) decode andconvert the digital signal to a corresponding analog signal; (v)transmit the analog signal to the transmitting means; and (vi) transmitthe analog signal as a corresponding radio frequency signal.

In one embodiment, the circuit preferably comprises means for selectinga frequency at which the transmitting means will transmit the decodedaudio signal, the housing further comprising means for indicating aselected frequency. The selecting means can be a channel select logicunit and the indicating means can be an LED or digital display in someembodiments.

It is further preferred that the proximal end of the housing flareoutwardly so as to form a substantially planar front surface wherein atleast a portion of the user control panel is located on thesubstantially planar surface. In some embodiments, the housing cancomprises a first portion pivotally connected to a second portion,wherein the first portion contains the distal end and the second portioncontains the proximal end. In this embodiment, it may be preferred tolocate the audio input jack on a side of the second portion of thehousing and the interface port on a bottom of the second portion of thehousing.

The socket power adapter can be a cigarette lighter power adapter. It isalso preferred that the first portion of the housing be generallycylindrical in shape and approximately 1 to 3 inches in length and thatthe substantially planar front surface of the flared proximal end have agenerally oval shape.

In another aspect, the invention is a modulator for transmitting data toa radio receiver or digital tuner comprising multiple input ports orjacks and a signal converter device to transmit the data to the radioreceiver or the digital tuner.

In yet another aspect, the invention is a modulator for reproducingcompressed audio data comprising: a housing; an apparatus in the housingto accommodate an external storage device; a mechanism for instructingthe modulator to execute an operation; a processing device for readingdata in a file on the external storage device; and a converter totransmit the data to a receiver or digital tuner.

In a further aspect, the invention is a modulator for transmitting datato a radio receiver or digital tuner comprising multiple input ports orjacks and a signal converter device to transmit the data to the radioreceiver or the digital tuner.

In still another embodiment, the invention can be a modulator apparatuscomprising: an elongate housing having a distal portion and a proximalportion that flares outwardly from the distal portion; a cigarettelighter power adapter formed into the distal portion of the elongatehousing; a user control panel located on the proximal portion of theelongate housing; an audio input jack in the elongate housing; a batterycharging mechanism in the elongate housing for charging a battery of anexternal electronic device; a circuit located within the elongatehousing and operably coupled to the cigarette lighter power adapter, thebattery charging mechanism, the audio input jack, and the user controlpanel; and the circuit comprising means for transmitting an audio signalreceived by the audio input jack to a radio tuner.

In yet another embodiment, the invention can be a modulator apparatuscomprising: an elongate housing having a distal portion and a proximalportion having a control panel surface; a cigarette lighter poweradapter formed into the substantially cylindrical distal portion of theelongate housing; an interface port in the elongate housing forreceiving an external memory device; a user control panel located on thecontrol panel surface of the proximal portion; an audio input jack inthe elongate housing; a circuit located within the elongate housing andoperably coupled to the cigarette lighter power adapter, the interfaceport, the audio input jack, and the user control panel; and the circuitcomprising means for retrieving an audio data file stored in a digitalformat on an external memory device that is in operable cooperation withthe interface port, means for decoding the retrieved audio data files,and means for transmitting the decoded audio data files or an audiosignal received by the audio input jack to a radio tuner.

In an even further embodiment, the invention can be a modulatorapparatus comprising: an elongate housing having a distal portion and aproximal portion that flares outwardly from the distal portion; acigarette lighter power adapter formed into the distal portion of theelongate housing; a user control panel located on the proximal portionof the elongate housing; an audio input jack in the elongate housing; aninterface port in the elongate housing adapted to (i) receive anexternal memory device; and (ii) charge a battery of an externalelectronic device; a circuit located within the elongate housing andoperably coupled to the cigarette lighter power adapter, the interfaceport, the audio input jack, and the user control panel; and the circuitcomprising means for retrieving an audio data file stored in a digitalformat on an external memory device that is in operable cooperation withthe interface port, means for decoding the retrieved audio data files,and means for transmitting the decoded audio data files or, an audiosignal received by the audio input jack to a radio tuner.

In an even further aspect, the invention can be a modulator apparatuscomprising: a distal portion and a proximal portion; a cigarette lighterpower adapter formed into the distal portion; a user control panellocated on the proximal portion; an audio input jack in the housing; aninterface port in the elongate housing adapted to (i) receive anexternal memory device; and (ii) charge a battery of an externalelectronic device; a circuit operably coupled to the cigarette lighterpower adapter, the interface port, the audio input jack, and the usercontrol panel; and the circuit comprising means for retrieving an audiodata file stored in a digital format on an external memory device thatis in operable cooperation with the interface port, means for decodingthe retrieved audio data files, and means for transmitting the decodedaudio data files or an audio signal received by the audio input jack toa radio tuner.

In another aspect, the invention can be a modulator apparatuscomprising: a housing; a cigarette lighter power adapter; a user controlpanel located on the housing; an interface port in the elongate housingadapted to charge a battery of an external electronic device; a circuitoperably coupled to the cigarette lighter power adapter, the interfaceport, and the user control panel; and the circuit comprising means fortransmitting an audio signal to a radio tuner.

While the invention is summarized and described herein as a combinedmodulator and audio file player, the invention is not so limited and canbe applied to video files, image files, etc. Moreover, the invention isnot limited to use in an automobile, but can be adapted for use withhome stereos by replacing the socket power adapter with a standard plug.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are discussed below, one or more preferredembodiments are illustrated, with the same reference numerals referringto the same pieces of the invention throughout the drawings. It isunderstood that the invention is not limited to the preferredembodiments depicted in the drawings herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combined modulator and MP3 playeraccording to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the combined modulator and MP3 player of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the combined modulator and MP3 player ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a combined modulator and MP3 playerhaving a pivot joint according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the combined modulator and MP3 player ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the combined modulator and MP3 player of FIG.4.

FIG. 7A is a right side view of the combined modulator and MP3 player ofFIG. 4 wherein the head portion is fully rotated about the pivot jointin the clockwise direction.

FIG. 7B is a right side view of the combined modulator and MP3 player ofFIG. 4 wherein the head portion is fully rotated about the pivot jointin the counter-clockwise direction.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a combined modulator and MP3 player having aball joint according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of a circuit used to control the functioning ofthe combined modulator and MP3 players of FIGS. 1-8 according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the operation of the circuit of FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 is a schematic of an alternative circuit that can be used tocontrol the combined modulator and MP3 players of FIGS. 1-8 according toan embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as theinvention, the invention will now be further described by reference tothe following detailed description of preferred embodiments taken inconjunction with the above-described accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, a combined modulator and MP3 player 400(hereinafter “MP3/modulator”) is illustrated according to a firstembodiment of the present invention. The MP3/modulator comprises anelongate housing 401. The elongate housing 401 is preferably made ofplastic, but can be constructed of any material desired, includingwithout limitation metal, alloys, polymers, wood, etc. The elongatehousing 401 can be a two-piece construction or a single piececonstruction. The elongate housing 401 can be formed by any suitableprocess known in the art, including without limitation, an injectionmolding process, an extruding process, a machining process, etc. Inmultiple-piece construction embodiments of the hosing 401, thecomponents pieces can be connect any means know in the art, includingwithout limitation, heat welding, adhesive, fasteners, snap-fit, etc.

The elongate housing 401 comprises a proximal end 404 and a distal end405. The elongate housing 401 also comprises a head portion 402 and atubular body portion 403. A groove 410 separates the head portion 402from the tubular body portion 403. The head portion 402 is formed by theelongate housing 400 flaring outwardly from the direction of the distalend 405 to the proximal end 404, such that the head portion 402 takes ona generally truncated bulbous shape. The head portion 402 terminates inan angled fashion in a substantially flat surface 406 at the proximalend 404. The substantially flat surface 406 is preferably oval in shapebut can take on any shape desired, including without limitationrectangular, triangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, or irregularly shaped.

The tubular body portion 403 is preferably cylindrical in shape having acircular cross-sectional profile. Preferably, the circularcross-sectional profile of the tubular body portion 403 is sized so thatit has a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of astandard cigarette lighter socket commonly incorporated intoautomobiles. In one embodiment, the diameter of the tubular body portion403 is within the range of one-half inch to one inch, and morepreferably about three-quarters of an inch. The length of the tubularbody portion 403 is preferably sized to be at least as long as the depthof standard cigarette lighter sockets that are commonly incorporatedinto automobiles, most preferably within the range of 1-3 inches.

Electrical contact leads 407, 408 are located on and protrude from thetubular portion 403. The electrical leads 407, 408 are in operableconnection with the internal circuit 100 (FIG. 9). As a result, a socketpower adapter is formed that is electrically and sizably compatible witha standard 12 Volt cigarette lighter socket. The circuitry andfunctioning of the MP3/modulator 400 will be discussed in greater detailbe low with respect to FIG. 9.

Referring still to FIG. 1, the MP3/modulator 400 further comprises afemale port 409, in the form of an audio input jack port, on the side ofthe head portion 402 of the elongate housing 401. The female port 409 isaccessible from the exterior of the housing 401 so as to be matablyengageable with an audio cable whose other end is matably engagable withan audio output port of an electronic device, such as a headphone portof an MP3 player or CD player. Other electronic devices can be used ifdesired, such as a laptop computer, a cell pone, a personal dataassistant, a portable email apparatus, etc. Moreover; the female port409 is not limited to audio input jack port but can be any type of portdesired.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the MP3/modulator further comprises aninterface port 410 in the elongate housing 401 for receiving an externalmemory device. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface port 410 isa USB slot for receiving a USB memory device, such as a USB memorystick, a USB key, etc. The invention, however, is not so limited and theinterface port 410 can take on a variety of embodiments, includingwithout limitation a drive or port necessary to operably receiveexternal storage devices such as flash disks or drives, flash cards,secure data flash cards, pen drives, CDs, magnetic disks, mini-disks,magneto-optical disks, SRAM, E.sup.2PROM, DVDs, multimedia memory cards,secure digital cards, memory sticks, CompactFlash cards, SecureDigitalcards and SmartMedia cards.

The interface port 410 is located on, an accessible from, a bottom ofthe head portion 402 of the elongate housing 401. The interface port 410is located at or near the proximal end of the housing 401. In otherembodiments, the interface port 410 may be located elsewhere on thehousing 401. The interface port 410 is operably coupled to the internalcircuit 100 (FIG. 9) so that data files stored on an external memorydevice that is operably connected to the interface port 410 can beretrieved, decoded, processed, and/or transmitted to a car stereoreceiver. This will be discussed in greater detail below with respect toFIGS. 9-11. Although not shown, a port for coupling the firewire port ofthe MP3 player to the internal circuit 100 may also be present.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the MP3/modulator 400 further comprises acontrol panel for receiving user input commands located on thesubstantially flat surface 406 of the head portion 402 of the elongatehousing 401. The control panel comprises a “stop/play” button 411, a“back” button 412, a “forward” button 413, a “channel select” button414, and a display panel 416 comprising a plurality of LEDs 415 forindicating the channel selected. All of the components 411-415 of thecontrol panel are electrically and operably coupled to the internalcircuit 100 of the MP3/modulator 400, as will be discussed in detailwith respect to FIGS. 9-11. The functions of the “stop/play,” “back” and“forward” buttons are self-explanatory and are not further describedherein. The “channel select” button 414 permits the user to set thefrequency at which the transmitter 138 (FIG. 9) will transmit the radiofrequency signals containing the audio content. The frequency/channelthat is currently selected will be indicated by illumination of theproper LED 415 on the channel display panel 416.

In alternative embodiments, less or more control buttons may be presentand the control panel. For example, the channel display panel 416 can beremoved. A manufacturer may preset the frequency to which the modulatoris set so that a user cannot change the frequency. Moreover, certainfeatures can be combined on the control panel and/or the ability toselect different nodes, e.g. audio modes or the desired port to read,can be added.

As will be discussed in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 9-11,the MP3/modulator 400 can be used to transmit audio content, such asthat stored in MP3 files, to an automobile stereo for sound output. Theexact functioning of the MP3/modulator 400 will be dictated by the userpreferences/inputs and the type of external device on which the MP3files are stored, e.g., whether the MP3 files are stored on a simplememory medium or on the internal memory drive a portable MP3 playerEither way, once the audio content is in suitable condition fortransmission as radio frequency signals, the transmitter 138 in thehousing 401 of the MP3/modulator 400 generates a radio frequency signal,such as an FM signal. This signal is then transmitted to an FM receiverof the car stereo. The FM receiver of the automobile stereo in turn iscoupled by speaker wires to speakers. Alternatively, the FM receiver ofthe car stereo system can be wirelessly coupled to the speakers. In suchmanner, the audio content transmitted by the MP3/modulator 400 istransmitted by the FM transmitter to the FM receiver and outputted assound output by the speakers operably connected to the FM receiver.

The FM transmitter 138 can transmit music played through theMP3/modulator 400 within a range of FM frequencies. The transmitter 138may be of any suitable type, and operates to transmit music to an FMreceiver in the vicinity of the MP3/modulator 400. The FM transmitter138 may for example be provided having a tuning frequency in the FM bandof 87-95 megahertz (MHz) and a transmission range up to 6 feet or more.Stereo transmitters of this type are commercially available and are ofappropriate size for incorporation in the MP3/modulator 400. If desired,the FM transmitter 138 may simply transmit at a frequency fixed in theaforementioned 87-95 MHz band or the transmitter 138 may be tunable toselect a specific frequency within such spectrum.

In operation, the FM receiver of the stereo system receives thetransmitted audio from the MP3/modulator 400. The FM receiver is able totransmit the audio content to the vehicular sound system, e.g., bytuning the FM receiver to the frequency of the transmitter in theMP3/modulator 400.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of a MP3/modulator400A is illustrated according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention. The MP3/modulator 400A is similar to the MP3/modulator 400 ofFIGS. 1-3 with certain exceptions. As such, like numbers will be used toidentify like elements, with the exception that the alphabetical suffix“A” will be added to the end of the identifier. In order to avoidredundancy, only those important aspects of the MP3/modulator 400A thatdiffer from MP3/modulator 400 will be discussed in detail.

MP3/modulator 400A comprises an elongate housing 401A. The elongatehousing 401A comprises a head portion 402A and a body portion 403A. Thehead portion 402A is pivotally connected to the tubular body portion403A via pivot joint 420A. The pivot joint 420A provides the ability forthe head portion 402A to be pivotable between a first position (shown inFIG. 7A) and a second position (shown in FIG. 7B) As a result, when thetubular body portion 403A is inserted into a cigarette lighter socketduring operation, the head portion 402A can be pivoted so that thecontrol panel on the substantially planar surface 406A is convenientlyaccessible and visible to the user, irrespective of the orientation ofthe socket.

Referring still to FIG. 4, the control panel of the MP3/modulator 400Acomprises a digital display 422A instead of the LEDs. The digitaldisplay 422A displays the channel/frequency currently selected by theuser.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5 simultaneously, the MP3/modulator 400Afurther comprises depressible tabs 421A on the top and bottom of thetubular body portion 403A of the elongate housing 401A. The depressibletabs 421A protrude from the tubular body portion 403A to help keep theMP3/modulator 400A in a tight fit position when positioned in acigarette lighter socket of an automobile.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of a MP3/modulator400B is illustrated according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention. The MP3/modulator 400B is similar to the MP3/modulator 400 ofFIGS. 1-3 and the MP3/modulator 400A of FIGS. 4-7 with certainexceptions. As such, like numbers will be used to identify likeelements, with the exception that the alphabetical suffix “B” will beadded to the end of the identifier. In order to avoid redundancy, onlythose important aspects of the MP3/modulator 400B that differ fromMP3/modulators 400 and 400A will be discussed in detail.

The MP3/modulator 400B comprises a pivot joint in the form of a balljoint 420B. This allows the head portion 402B to pivot in athree-dimensional directions with respect to the tubular body portion402B.

As described above, the MP3/modulators 400, 400A, and 400B comprisesmultiple input ports or jacks for a variety of audio connections,including, but not limited to, firewire, USB, RCA and/or miniplugapplications. By having multiple input ports or jacks, users will not belimited to specific modulators for specific portable audio and videodevices. In other words, users will be able to use one modulator for aplurality of devices. For example, an individual who owns both an MP3player that has a USB port and a portable CD-player that has a miniplugwill be able to use one modulator that accepts both types ofconnections. Moreover, users can utilize simple memory devices, such asUSB memory sticks, that contain stored MP3 files without the need for aseparate MP3 player.

The MP3/modulators 400, 400A, and 400B can be set by the manufacturer orthe user to utilize radio frequencies, typically on the FM or AM band.Alternatively or in addition, the MP3/modulators 400, 400A, and 400B canhave a digital output so that it can be used with a digital tuner.

In another embodiment of the invention, the MP3/modulators 400, 400A,and 400B can be connected to an external storage device. Non-limitingexamples of external storage devices are flash disks or drives, flashcards, secure data flash cards, pen drives, CDs, magnetic disks,mini-disks, magneto-optical disks, SRAM, E.sup.2PROM, DVDs, multimediamemory cards, secure digital cards, memory sticks, CompactFlash cards,SecureDigital cards and SmartMedia cards. As discussed above, theMP3/modulators 400, 400A, and 400B modulator has a port corresponding tothe external storage device's connector so that the external storagedevice and the modulator can be operably connected. The modulator has aprocessing device contained therein so that it can read a file on theexternal storage devices Optionally, a control module is present so thatthe user can choose which file to decode and transmit to the radio ordigital tuner.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a schematic of the circuit 100 contained withinthe housing of the MP3/modulator 400 is illustrated. All components ofthe circuit 100 are operably and electrically connected as needed. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate the nature and location of suchconnections. While the circuit 100 and its functioning will be describedin terms of its use in MP3/modulator 400, those skilled in the art willappreciate that the following discussion is also applicable toMP3/modulators 400A and 400B.

The circuit 100 comprises a control panel 102 (which consists of buttons411-414), an external storage device interface port 410 and a centralprocessing unit 108. The central processing unit 108 is comprised of atransceiver 110, a universal host controller 112, a bus 114, a reducedinstruction set computer (“RISC”) 118 and read only memory (“ROM”) 120.

The control panel 102 functions to generate a signal to instruct thecircuit 100 to execute at least one specific operation in response to auser input (for example, operation start/end, file selection, channelselection, etc.). The control panel 102 can have a key input unit thatinitiates the generation of the signal. The external storage device 104is connected to the external storage device interface device port 410and the connection functions to provide a data path for packet datatransmitted to the external storage device 104 in response to a datarequest and data applied from the external storage device 104. Theinterface port 410 also functions to interface various data transmittedto the external storage device 104 and applied to the external storagedevice 104 to comply with communication standards.

The bus 114 is electrically connected to the control panel 102, theuniversal host controller 112, the RISC 118, multi-purpose flash memory116 and channel select logic unit 124. The CPU 108 integrally controlsthe respective elements of the system to perform an operationcorresponding to a control signal by processing the control signalapplied to the control panel 102, requests and receives data from theexternal storage device 104 and instructs the received data to beapplied to a specific path through the transceiver 110.

The multi-purpose memory unit 116 is interconnected with the CPU 108 viathe bus 116. The RISC 118 stores an execution program for executing theoperations of the circuit 100, which is programmed to execute acorresponding operation according to the instruction of the CPU 108.

The decoder unit 128 is connected to the CPU 108. As shown, the decoderunit 128 is capable of digital signal processing and stereo digital toanalog converting. The stereo digital to analog converter (“DAC”)separates the audio into left 134 and right 136 channels. The decoderunit 128 optionally is equipped with a buffer to delay transmissionspeed. The decoder unit 128 functions to convert decoded digital data toanalog signals and apply the analog signals to the radio frequency(“RF”) transmitter which transmits the signals to an antenna 140.Alternatively, a digital signal converter in addition to or instead ofthe DAC and/or a sigma-delta converter that can implement a highresolution of more than 16 bits and/or an optical signal converter canbe used.

A channel select logic unit 124 is connected to the CPU 108. The channelselect logic unit 124 can be either preset by the manufacturer or permita user of the circuit 100 to determine to which radio frequency theaudio signals should be sent. The LED display 415 (or digital display422A or 422B) is electrically connected to the channel select logic unit124. The LED display 415 can also indicate whether the MP3/modulator 400has power or not.

The circuit 100 is powered by a power supply unit 130 (which is formedby the electric leads 407, 408). The power supply unit 130 is connectedto the CPU 108, the decoder 128, and the RF transmitter 138. The powersupply 130 can be powered by a 12 Volt socket 142.

Although the above-described control panel unit 102, universal hostcontroller 112, and RISC 118 have been described as being separated fromeach other, they may be implemented as a single chip. Also, themulti-purpose memory unit 116 may be incorporated into the control panel102 and/or RISC 118, or other unit found within the modulation.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a flowchart of the operation of the circuit100 of FIG. 9 is illustrated. Only the reproduction operation of themodulator is described herein because the other operations, including,but not limited to, music selection and music change operations, are thesame as or similar to those of general MP3 or other portable audiodevices.

First, a user connects the external storage device to a PC or otherdevice capable of downloading or saving files to the external storagedevice at step 200. Next, the user disconnects the external storagedevice from the device used to download or, save files thereon andconnects the connector of the external storage device to the modulatorat step 202. The CPU 108 determines whether the control panel 102 hasbeen activated, and if it has been activated, the CPU 108 executes theinitiation mode required to initiate operations at step 204.

If the control panel 102 has not been activated, the CPU 108 stands by;in an alternative embodiment, the circuit 100 automatically begins theinitiation mode after detecting an external storage device is connectedthereto. If the control panel 102 is activated, the program written tothe ROM 120 directs the RISC 118 to request data from the externalstorage device through the transceiver 110 and the CPU 108 receives thedata at step 206. The universal host controller 112 reads the data, anda built-in phase lock loop (“PLL”) provides timing to the RISC 118 andtransceiver 110. An external crystal, including, but not limited to, a14.318 MHz crystal, provides the time base for the PLL. The receiveddata is read to the multi-purpose memory 116 at step 208. The data thenis applied to the decoder unit 128 via bit stream 122 at step 210. Thedata is decoded and, optionally, a signal is fed to a volume controlunit 214. The data is copied to audio FIFO at step 216. The audio FIFO(first in and first out) holds the data, which is read by the audiointerrupt and fed to a sample rate converter and an 18-bit oversampling, multi-bit, sigma-delta digital to analog converter at steps218 and 220.

The sample rate converter converts all different samples rates toCLKI/512 and feeds the data to the DAC. At step 222, the DAC 128converts the single digital audio stream into a two channel, left 134and right 136, analog signal. The analog signal is sent to thetransmitter 138 and the transmitter transmits the signal at steps 224and 226. The signal is transmitted through the antenna of a radio.

When a digital signal converter, a sigma-delta converter or an opticalsignal converter is used to convert the signal instead of the DAC 128,the data is sent to the corresponding converter in step 218. The DAC 128in steps 220 and 222 is replaced by the signal converter implemented.

It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the above-describedMP3/modulator 400, and its circuit 100, can act as a player for MP3,WAV, WMA, RA, VOC, APE, CDA, AIF and/or any other audio files.

Turning now to FIG. 11, another embodiment of the inside constructionand operation of the MP3/modulator 400 is shown that can be used incombination with an external storage device 302 having a USB connector.In the MP3/modulator 400, a signal processing module 304 may perform anencoding operation using a certain signal processing method, including,but not limited to, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-3, MPEG4, Audio Layer 3, a TVFformat or an OGG format. The signal processing module 304 outputs databy encoding input signals transmitted from a certain information sourceusing the signal processing method, and constructs a file by arrangingthe encoded data in a certain file format. The signal format used toperform the decoding operation may be identical to or different from theformat used to perform the encoding operation. The MP3/modulator is notlimited to a specific signal format.

The file constructed by the MP3/modulator 400 is positioned on thesystem memory 306. If the external storage device 302 cannot be accessedwhen the file is constructed, waiting is performed and the media file iscopied to the external storage device though a USB host 308 when theexternal storage device 302 can be accessed. If the external storagedevice 302 can be accessed when the media file is constructed, the mediafile is copied from the system memory 310 to the external storage device302.

When outputting data by encoding input signals transmitted from acertain information source using the signal processing method andconstructing a media file by arranging the encoded media data in acertain file format, a media file may be constructed by integrating thedata that are processed until the amount of data reaches a firstcritical value and to copy the constricted file to flash memory. In thisscenario, the system memory 310 may be constructed to temporarily storea plurality of media files, and a second critical value may be set tothe capacity of media files that can be accommodated in the systemmemory 310. When the size of files reaches the second critical value,the files existing in the system memory 310 may be copied to theexternal storage device 302. The copying of files to the externalstorage device 302 may be performed in a background fashion with respectto the operation of encoding the data.

Several different methods exist to power the modulator with electricity.One method is to have a chord connected to the modulator that can pluginto an electrical outlet. Another method is to have the chord plug intoa 12-volt socket (as shown in FIG. 9) in an automobile. A third methodis to have the modulator be battery-powered. Alternatively, themodulator can be hard-wired in an automobile.

The modulator can incorporate a battery charging mechanism so that whena portable device with a rechargeable battery is connected to themodulator, the rechargeable battery can be charged.

Size transmitter of the MP3/modulator 400 is now described with respectto FM frequencies. As stated previously, alternative embodiments of thetransmitter have the radio frequency be on the AM band or have a digitaloutput so that the MP3/modulator 400 can be used with a digital tuner inaddition to or in lieu of the FM transmitter. Any of the different typesof transmitters, i.e., FM, AM or digital transmitter, may be presentindividually or together.

The FM transmitter transmits audio played through the audio device orexternal storage device connected to the modulator to a range of FMfrequencies, enabling FM reception of audio music signals that then canbe played through an FM receivers such as an FM radio receiver in avehicle, an FM radio in proximity to the modulator and otherwise forextended area broadcast of the audio files. When used in a vehicle, theFM transmitter transmits the audio to the FM receiver in the vehicle,enabling the acoustic system of the vehicle to be employed for broadcastof the audio to the interior passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Although the ensuing discussion is directed to an embodiment havingspecific use and applicability to the Apple® iPOD MP3 player, it will berecognized that the utility of the modulator is not thus limited, butrather extends to and encompasses any other audio devices, as previouslyindicated.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and,accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, ratherthan to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of theinvention.

1. A modulator apparatus comprising: an elongate housing having a distalportion and a proximal portion that flares outwardly from the distalportion; a cigarette lighter power adapter formed into the distalportion of the elongate housing; a user control panel located on theproximal portion of the elongate housing; an audio input jack in theelongate housing; a battery charging mechanism in the elongate housingfor charging a battery of an external electronic device; a circuitlocated within the elongate housing and operably coupling the cigarettelighter power adapter, the battery charging mechanism, the audio inputjack, and the user control panel; and the circuit comprising means fortransmitting an audio signal received by the audio input jack to a radiotuner.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the transmitting means isadapted to convert the audio signals to corresponding radio-frequencysignals.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the circuit furthercomprises a transceiver, a bus, a universal host controller, a reducedinstruction set computer, and a read only memory.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the battery charging mechanism is an interface port. 5.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elongate housing is a unitaryhousing and all circuitry of the modulator apparatus is located withinthe unitary housing.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the circuitfurther comprises means for selecting a frequency at which thetransmitting means will transmit the decoded audio signal, the housingfurther comprising means for indicating a selected frequency.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6 wherein the selecting means is a channel selectlogic unit and the indicating means is an LED or digital display.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the distal portion is pivotally connectedto the proximal portion.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising:the audio input jack located in a side of the proximal portion of theelongate housing; and wherein the battery charging mechanism located ona bottom of the proximal portion of the elongate housing.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising: the audio input jack located ina side of the proximal portion of the elongate housing; and wherein thebattery charging mechanism located on a bottom of the elongate housing.11. A modulator apparatus comprising: an elongate housing having adistal portion and a proximal portion having a control panel surface; acigarette lighter power adapter formed into the distal portion of theelongate housing; an interface port in the elongate housing forreceiving an external memory device; a user control panel located on thecontrol panel surface of the proximal portion; an audio input jack inthe elongate housing; a circuit located within the elongate housing andoperably coupling the cigarette lighter power adapter, the interfaceport, the audio input jack, and the user control panel; and the circuitcomprising means for retrieving an audio data file stored in a digitalformat on an external memory device that is in operable cooperation withthe interface port, means for decoding the retrieved audio data files,and means for transmitting the decoded audio data files or an audiosignal received by the audio input jack to a radio tuner.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11 further: wherein the decoding means is adapted toconvert digital signals corresponding to the decoded audio data files tocorresponding analog signals; and wherein the transmitting means isadapted to convert the analog signals to corresponding radio-frequencysignals.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the interface port is USBport and the external memory device is USB memory device having one ormore audio data files stored in an MP3 format, the combined apparatusfurther comprising the USB memory device in operable cooperation withthe USB port.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a batterycharging mechanism in the elongate housing for charging a battery of anexternal electronic device.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein thebattery charging mechanism is the interface port.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 15 further comprising a USB device in operable connection with theinterface port, the USB device comprising one or more audio data filesstored in a digital format.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein allcircuitry of the modulator apparatus is located within the elongatehousing.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: the audioinput jack located in a side of the proximal portion of the housing, theaudio input jack operably coupled to the circuit between the decodingmeans and the transmitting means; and wherein the interface port islocated on a bottom of the proximal portion of the housing.
 19. Amodulator apparatus comprising: a housing comprising a distal portionand a proximal portion; a cigarette lighter power adapter formed intothe distal portion of the housing; a user control panel located on theproximal portion of the housing; an audio input jack in the housing; aninterface port in the housing adapted to (i) receive an external memorydevice; and (ii) charge a battery of an external electronic device; acircuit located within the housing and operably coupling the cigarettelighter power adapter, the interface port, the audio input jack, and theuser control panel; and the circuit comprising means for retrieving anaudio data file stored in a digital format on an external memory devicethat is in operable cooperation with the interface port, means fordecoding the retrieved audio data files, and means for transmitting thedecoded audio data files or an audio signal received by the audio inputjack to a radio tuner; and wherein all circuitry of the modulatorapparatus is located within the housing.
 20. A modulator apparatuscomprising: a housing having a distal portion and a proximal portion; acigarette lighter power adapter formed into the distal portion of thehousing; a user control panel located on the proximal portion of thehousing; an audio input in the housing for receiving audio signals froman external electronic device; a circuit located within the housingoperably coupling the cigarette lighter power adapter, the audio input,and the user control panel; and the circuit comprising means fortransmitting the audio signals received by the audio input to a radiotuner.